SWU-Phinma taps Singaporean firm in new hospitality program

CEBU, Philippines — Phinma-led Southwestern University has partnered with Singapore's SDH Institute for its hospitality program as it looks to compete graduates in the continuously developing hospitality and tourism industry locally and globally.

In an interview Saturday, Gatieh Nacario, SWU vice president or academics, said it is important to produce hospitality graduates who are employable locally and globally

The partnership incorporates SDH Institute's curriculum into SWU's hospitality management program which confers its graduates with Singaporean advanced diplomas in hospitality, making them automatically employable in Singapore.

The certification is also recognized in France and in United Kingdom.

"The hospitality industry is a growing sector. So we make sure we produce graduates employable in this sector," Nacario said.

He said the Cebu-based school is looking to have around 200 students in its new HM program.

"The school is willing to invest in this new program," he said.

He noted the program prepares the students a possible successful career in international hospitality and tourism market.

He said in today's competitive jobs market, it is a good investment to have a global education and international internship experience for a prospective career in hospitality and tourism.

The school's newly developed program also provides international internship opportunities in Singapore and United States.

Established in 2007, SDH is a Singapore-based hospitality management school that offers certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, post graduate, bachelor's degree, master's degree and professional learning programs.

SWU is controlled by listed holding firm Phinma Corp.

The school had launched SWU Next which features its seven academic programs that are beyond the medical and allied health courses including architecture, communication arts, business administration, hospitality, information technology, sports science and veterinary medicine.

"We are more than just a medical school," he said.

It was in 2015 when Phinma acquired a majority stake in SWU.

In April 2015 it acquired 56.83 percent stake in SWU for P1.9 billion.  Then in May and August in the same year it further acquired a 13.64-percent interest in the academic institution.

Phinma has various interests in education, steel products, housing, business process outsourcing and energy sectors.

Through its subsidiary Phinma Education, it holds significant equities in educational institutions namely Araullo University in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; Cagayan de Oro College Inc.; University of Pangasinan; University of Iloilo; and Career Academy Asia Inc. (FREEMAN)